Backpacking China Itinerary: A Comprehensive Guide

China, with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, offers an incredible experience for backpackers. This comprehensive itinerary will help you navigate through some of the most exciting and culturally significant destinations in China. From bustling cities to serene countryside, here’s a detailed 2-week itinerary to make the most of your trip.

Day 1-3: Beijing
Start your adventure in Beijing, the capital of China. Beijing is renowned for its historic sites and modern attractions.

Day 1:

• Forbidden City: Explore this ancient imperial palace complex that was home to 24 emperors. Its sprawling grounds and intricate architecture provide a glimpse into China’s imperial past.
• Tiananmen Square: Located near the Forbidden City, this vast public square is surrounded by monumental buildings, including the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China.

Day 2:

• Great Wall of China: Visit the Badaling section of the Great Wall, the most popular and well-preserved section. You can hike along the wall and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Temple of Heaven: This historic temple was used by emperors for annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Its unique circular design and beautifully landscaped grounds are worth exploring.

Day 3:

• Summer Palace: Spend the day wandering through the Summer Palace’s beautiful gardens, lake, and imperial buildings. It’s a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
• Peking Duck Dinner: Don’t miss out on trying Beijing’s famous dish, Peking duck. Head to a renowned restaurant like Da Dong or Quanjude for an authentic experience.

Day 4-6: Xi’an
Travel to Xi’an, the starting point of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army.

Day 4:

• Terracotta Army: Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum to see the life-sized army buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Each figure is uniquely detailed.
• City Wall: Walk or bike along the ancient city wall that still surrounds the old city center. It’s one of the best-preserved city walls in China.

Day 5:

• Big Wild Goose Pagoda: This iconic pagoda is a symbol of the city and was originally built to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India.
• Muslim Quarter: Explore this vibrant area known for its street food, markets, and unique blend of Chinese and Islamic cultures.

Day 6:

• Shaolin Temple (Optional Day Trip): If you’re interested in martial arts, consider a day trip to the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu.

Day 7-9: Chengdu
Fly or take a high-speed train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, famous for its spicy food and giant pandas.

Day 7:

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Visit this facility to see giant pandas up close and learn about conservation efforts. It’s a must-see for animal lovers.
• Wuhou Shrine: Explore this historical site dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a renowned strategist from the Three Kingdoms period.

Day 8:

• Jinli Ancient Street: Stroll through this traditional street, which is lined with shops selling local handicrafts and street food. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs.
• Sichuan Cuisine: Enjoy a Sichuan hotpot or spicy Sichuan dishes at local restaurants. The flavors are bold and unforgettable.

Day 9:

• Leshan Giant Buddha: Take a day trip to see the massive Buddha statue carved into a cliff face. It’s the largest stone Buddha in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 10-12: Guilin and Yangshuo
Travel to Guilin, known for its stunning karst landscape, and then head to Yangshuo for outdoor activities.

Day 10:

• Li River Cruise: Take a scenic boat cruise along the Li River, passing by picturesque karst hills and traditional fishing villages.
• Reed Flute Cave: Explore this impressive cave system, famous for its colorful lighting and unique rock formations.

Day 11:

• Yangshuo: Enjoy outdoor activities such as biking through the countryside, hiking, or taking a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River. The natural scenery is breathtaking.
• West Street: Visit West Street in Yangshuo for shopping, dining, and experiencing the local nightlife.

Day 12:

• Moon Hill: Hike up to Moon Hill, which features a natural archway that resembles a crescent moon. The hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Day 13-14: Shanghai
Conclude your journey in Shanghai, China’s bustling financial hub and a city known for its modern skyline and historic areas.

Day 13:

• The Bund: Walk along the Bund to see Shanghai’s iconic skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and historic colonial buildings.
• Yu Garden: Visit this classical Chinese garden with its pavilions, rockeries, and tranquil ponds.

Day 14:

• Shanghai Museum: Explore this museum’s extensive collection of Chinese art and artifacts.
• Nanjing Road: Spend your last day shopping and dining on Shanghai’s famous shopping street.

Conclusion:
This 2-week itinerary covers a mix of China’s cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and vibrant cities. Each destination offers unique experiences that showcase the country’s diverse heritage and modern growth. From the historical grandeur of Beijing to the stunning landscapes of Guilin and the dynamic atmosphere of Shanghai, this trip will provide a well-rounded and unforgettable adventure.